If you were hurt in a car accident in Pennsylvania, getting compensation for your injuries isn’t always easy. Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, simple mistakes can hurt your chances of getting the settlement you deserve. Insurance companies look for any excuse to lower or deny your claim, and unfortunately, many accident victims unknowingly give them that chance.
Below are the most common mistakes we see in car accident claims. Avoiding these can protect your legal rights and improve your chance of a fair recovery.
1. Not Getting Medical Care Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a crash is skipping or delaying medical treatment. Even if you feel okay right after the accident, some injuries—like whiplash or concussions—can take hours or even days to show symptoms.
Waiting to get checked out gives the insurance company a reason to question your injuries. They might argue that you weren’t really hurt, or that something else caused your symptoms. Getting medical attention right away creates a record that ties your injuries directly to the accident.
2. Admitting Fault at the Scene
It’s natural to want to apologize after a crash, even if it wasn’t your fault. But saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be used as an admission of fault.
After an accident, stick to the facts. Exchange contact and insurance information, but don’t argue or admit blame. Let the police and insurance adjusters figure out what happened based on the evidence.
3. Not Calling the Police
Some drivers think they don’t need to call the police if the accident seems minor. But this is a big mistake. A police report is often one of the most important pieces of evidence in a car accident claim.
The report includes details about the crash, including statements from both drivers. Without it, it may be harder to prove your side of the story later on.
4. Failing to Collect Evidence
If you’re able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. This can include:
- Photos of the damage, road, weather, and surroundings
- Names and contact info of witnesses
- Photos of license plates and driver’s licenses
- Your own notes about what happened
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. Over time, witnesses disappear, and physical evidence may be cleaned up or changed—so act quickly.
5. Delaying Reporting the Accident
In Pennsylvania, you’re legally required to report most car accidents to the police and your insurance company. Failing to do so can raise red flags and make the claims process more difficult.
Even if the other driver promises to handle it on their own, always report the crash. Letting your insurance company know right away helps protect your rights under your policy.
6. Saying Too Much to the Insurance Company
After the accident, you’ll probably get a call from the other driver’s insurance company. Be careful what you say—adjusters are trained to get you talking and may use your words against you later.
You do not have to give a recorded statement right away. In fact, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer first. They can guide you on what to say and what not to say.
7. Not Following Through with Medical Treatment
Starting treatment is important—but so is sticking with it. Missing appointments or quitting therapy too soon can weaken your case. It may look like your injuries weren’t that serious, or that you’ve already recovered.
Keep up with your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up visits. Your medical records help show how serious your injuries are and how much they’re affecting your life.
8. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
After a crash, you might be facing medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. It’s tempting to take the first check the insurance company offers—but it’s almost never the best deal.
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and cheaply. Once you accept their offer, you usually can’t go back and ask for more, even if new injuries or costs come up.
Before agreeing to any settlement, talk to a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand what your claim is really worth—including future medical needs, pain and suffering, and lost earning potential.
9. Not Understanding Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Pennsylvania follows a rule called “modified comparative negligence.” This means your compensation can be reduced if you’re partly at fault for the crash. If you’re found to be more than 50% responsible, you may not recover anything at all.
For example, if your total damages are $100,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, you’d only recover $80,000. Insurance companies will often try to shift blame to reduce what they owe. Having an attorney on your side can help protect you from unfair fault claims.
10. Not Understanding Your Insurance Coverage Options
Your own car insurance choices can significantly affect your ability to recover full compensation after an accident—especially in Pennsylvania. Two key areas that often trip people up are Full Tort vs. Limited Tort and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Choosing Limited Tort may lower your premiums, but it restricts your right to seek compensation for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a high legal threshold. Full Tort, while more expensive, preserves your full legal rights regardless of injury severity.
Additionally, having Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is crucial if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Without it, you could be left paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, even when the accident wasn’t your fault.
11. Posting on Social Media
What you post online can be used against you. Even something as simple as a picture at a friend’s party or a comment about the crash can be taken out of context.
Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers often check social media to find evidence that your injuries aren’t serious—or that you’re doing fine. It’s best to stay off social media until your case is resolved, or keep your profiles private and avoid discussing the accident at all.
12. Not Hiring an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to handle everything on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to deal with insurance companies, gather strong evidence, and fight for the full value of your claim.
A lawyer can help you:
- Understand your legal rights
- Avoid common pitfalls
- Build a strong case backed by medical and legal evidence
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed
In Pennsylvania, most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case.
Contact Atlee Hall to Protect Your Rights After a Crash
After a car accident, the steps you take—or don’t take—can have a big impact on your case. By avoiding the mistakes listed above, you can improve your chances of recovering the money you need to move forward.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash in Lancaster, PA, don’t wait. Contact our office or call (717) 393-9596 today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
